Police in Omusati have cautioning the public to desist from crossing water pans at night or while under the influence of alcohol to avoid loss of life.

Following good rains received in many parts of the north over the past few days, police commander in Omusati Commissioner Titus Shikongo said the level of water in most flood plains is rising significantly.  

The commissioner also appealed to parents to ensure children are supervised to avoid possible drowning.

“Parents are advised to make sure that children are supervised and preventative measures are taken to prevent children from swimming in these waters to avoid drowning and possible harm by any predators that would be moving along these waters,” said Shikongo.

Shikongo’s appeal comes after a 35-year-old man reportedly drowned while attempting to cross a water pan on Friday evening at the Omatando village in the Anamulenge constituency of the Omusati region.

The victim and his younger brother were returning home from Okaputika cuca shops at Onaame Andiya village.

Shikongo said the older brother crossed alone, while the younger brother was removing his clothes before crossing the pan.

“When he reached home, he realised that his older brother has not reached home and efforts to trace him that evening were unsuccessful,” said Shikongo.

The victim’s body was discovered stuck against a shrub on Saturday morning.

He was identified as Eliakim Hambelela Amutenya.

His next of kin have been informed.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigation into the matter continues.

- nashipala@nepc.com.na